September 25th, 2012, 12:07 PM | #1 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: eddie
Location: Lawnguylind
Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): 300, WeeStrom Posts: A lot.
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Alternatives to a $1400 suit
I start with the premise that falls on the street are not like falls on a track.
In most cases...we dont slide for more than a few yards before we hit a tree,wall, car, guardrail or some kid on his BigWheels. To me...all that means is that I dont really need to pay for leather. Yet...a tight leather suit seems to offer some advantages a looser fitting textile suit doesnt...Like maybe keeping the armor closer to our joints. Is that guess true ? Still...on street, impact and not abrasion are the most likely hazards. It seems to me....and I like being corrected....that spending my money on strap on armor and maybe even using much cheaper skateboard and soccer gear could be just as functional at a fraction of the cost. Like any sport...we all accept what the manufacturers tell us becaue they offer stats and give free gear to winning riders and all that stuff but a lot of it is pure BS. I used to dive and like biking...gear was very expensive. I watched guys drop hundreds of dollars on gear that was hyper-specialized and engineered to work in conditions no human would ever encounter....and everyone ran out and bought it. The ONLY advantage i see on the $1400+ suits is that they might keep the armor close to the joint....am I right or wrong ? Or are there a lot of things i'm just not seeing ? |
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September 25th, 2012, 01:03 PM | #2 |
ModMy250.com
Name: Tri
Location: St, Louis
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R, 2005 R6 Posts: A lot.
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There are cheaper suits to be sure, but the difference between a $1400+ suit and a sub $1000 suit is how many times it can be re-worn after a crash. Many high dollar suits can be re-used over and over. Cheaper suits usually have thinner leather (quality can be questioned too) and the stitching is probably not as strong. I do agree that I wouldn't wear textile on the track.
For the street, you can still buy high quality gear and not sacrifice protection. I've been down in my textiles and I got up and walked away with some bruising or a little bit of rash from the mesh material of my jacket on my forearm. Correction, the rash was actually from my A*s leather jacket. It was nice and tight, but I got a little scuffed up. Lots of textiles have adjustments that you can make around the armor area to make them more secure.
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September 25th, 2012, 01:30 PM | #3 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Whodat
Location: Ware Is.,MA
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Mar '13, Jun '14
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Only leather at the track. They won't let you on with anything else.
I've seen suits for under $500 lately (and that's new). Just remember, you get what you pay for.
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If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough! |
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September 25th, 2012, 01:40 PM | #4 |
The Corner Whisperer
Name: Chris (aka Reactor)
Location: Northern KY
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much.
MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13
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Some orgs will let you out in textile in the novice or c class. Read their rules but..... get leather and a back protector.
Check the wera classifieds for used top quality suits. Good luck!
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Goal: Shake A Million Hands | Look through the corners | Track Day Prep | Closest track? | The Mid-Ohio School |
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September 25th, 2012, 01:52 PM | #5 |
RIP Alex
Name: Cuong
Location: Houston, TX
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): '10 250r, '09 265r Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 2
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The stitching on Frank Thomas suits don't hold up well. Browse craigslist, local forums, bike forums, and Ebay. I bought my old Dianese suit on Ebay for 300 and my current Frank Thomas suit for 110 on Craigslist.
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HalfFast Racing Team Serving Greater Houston Area Riders:WFO Riders MotoHouston HPC CMRA Ride Smart Fastline Lone Star Track Days |
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September 25th, 2012, 01:56 PM | #6 |
Jigglin' your Jiglets
Name: Sean
Location: San Jose, Ca
Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 K1300S, 2013 Ninja 300, 2011 Ninja 250R, Faster than Unregistered's ninjette Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 1
MOTM - Apr '13
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I got a $350 suit
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If the Ninja 250 doesn't have enough power for you, then you don't know how to ride it. AFM #676 Supersports are for n00bs |
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September 25th, 2012, 02:28 PM | #7 |
Fighting Texas Aggie '05
Name: Neil
Location: Hutto, TX
Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): '07 ZX6R, '08 Versys, '09 250R Track, '93 F2/F3 Track Posts: A lot.
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I have crashed a $750ish dollar suit and a $500ish suit and neither really held up better than the other. Lots of issues with the stretch panels - not the leather itself.
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September 26th, 2012, 09:09 PM | #8 |
1/4 English, 3/4 Kick Ass
Name: Jeremy
Location: Dayton, OH
Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2002 Triumph Speed Triple 955i, '05 Suzuki SV650S(retired), '11 Ninja 250R(sold) Posts: A lot.
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I'm hitting the same issue. I don't need a suit with all the bells and whistles, but one that will hold up to some abuse if it comes around. I've seen how cheap gear holds up...I'm sorry I'll spend the money on stuff that will protect me, no questions. I know there are going to be situations that eve the best gear can't prevent, but I'll do my best with what $$ I have.
Craigslist is an Ok place to look, racing classifieds work as well. But, don't fall into the trap of buying a $400 one-piece, again I've seen the results....not fun. If you are looking for quality I would some searching, there are several small companies out there that make some good stuff. Like Kobe Leather, the designs might look a little dated, but they are made to withstand just about anything:http://www.kobeusa.com/default.aspx |
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September 26th, 2012, 09:55 PM | #9 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: eddie
Location: Lawnguylind
Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): 300, WeeStrom Posts: A lot.
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Nice lead to KOBE....it led me to a wera site for gear....and i stumbled across Teiz....
Kobe...on the reviews I found, is well reviewed. Came upon a post by our Alex S. from Nov 11 and he had nice things to say so.I'm thinking maybe Kobe looks like a good alt to the $1400 suit. Thanks |
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September 26th, 2012, 10:06 PM | #10 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Michael
Location: Belgium
Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r, Fazer8 Posts: 580
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I wear textile gear for 1500$. i need it because I have to commute very long distances. It is very confortable, I'm never wet or never cold and I crashed once with it. There was minimal damage to the gear and I still use it as before...
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September 26th, 2012, 10:28 PM | #11 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: eddie
Location: Lawnguylind
Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): 300, WeeStrom Posts: A lot.
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I have a textile suit too. Very comfortable, nice looking, well made but armor is very light and very loose. Really...it's more like a padded suit than armored.
I got to admit that enough people have told me to get a suit that I should get one. |
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September 27th, 2012, 09:43 PM | #12 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Jason
Location: Cabot, AR
Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: 209
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I got a suit from the Army a long time ago.
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September 29th, 2012, 08:05 PM | #13 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: eddie
Location: Lawnguylind
Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): 300, WeeStrom Posts: A lot.
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Went with NYC Steve and panda.
Looiked at $1400 dianese suits, technik, looked at alpine stars and Bilt. Have concluded that there is no alternative to a $1400 suit....unless maybe it's an $1800 one. |
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September 30th, 2012, 05:28 AM | #14 |
1/4 English, 3/4 Kick Ass
Name: Jeremy
Location: Dayton, OH
Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2002 Triumph Speed Triple 955i, '05 Suzuki SV650S(retired), '11 Ninja 250R(sold) Posts: A lot.
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So what brand do you think you will go with?
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September 30th, 2012, 06:29 AM | #15 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Hansveer
Location: Bombay, India
Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250r - Track whore, Ninja 300 - SOLD, KTM RC390 - Orange Hulk, Ducati 899 Panigale - Red Devil. Posts: A lot.
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My old model Teknic Violator suit cost me less than 300$ with tags. I almost bought a lightly used Dianese suit for 300$ from this site, but it didn't go through. Shop around, you're sure to find something.
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September 30th, 2012, 06:51 AM | #16 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Peanut
Location: Senoia, GA
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): Green 2013 ZX-6R Posts: 723
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I have a Pilot EVO suit and I don't see me wearing anything else. It was under $1400 and it was made how I wanted it.
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http://www.simplysurrealphotography....es/peanut2.png |
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September 30th, 2012, 07:56 AM | #17 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Whodat
Location: Ware Is.,MA
Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Mar '13, Jun '14
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Nice suit. Shouldn't it say peanut on the front though.
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If everything seems under control; you're just not going fast enough! |
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September 30th, 2012, 08:44 AM | #18 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: eddie
Location: Lawnguylind
Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): 300, WeeStrom Posts: A lot.
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Based on what I saw the Dainese 1 piece is so much better made and much more details that I would buy it...any of them...
I think it was steve who joked, "well...how much do a few stitches cost ( at the doctor). Fact is....more than a titanium Diane suit. Not to say that an alpine or a bilt or coveralls with skate board elbow caps and newspaper taped around your shins wont do the same thing but my impression is that a less well made suit will work 99% of the time...the Daine feels and looks like it'll work 100% of the time. I bpught my stepdad a $120 shirt...it was $120 10 years ago...triple stitched, no threads hanging out, buttons tight, button holdes perfect and it wasnt made as well as a Dainese suit. I've seen high end garments, suits, police leather, scuba gear and I never saw anything that came close to the Daine suits....every freekin' detail is over-built. I wasnt a gear guy at all but I got to admit that seeing and touching and going over a D suit for like 20 minutes as i did yesterday...I was amazed. Most of you fast guys prob look at a suit as a tool....and that's 100% right. Stillo...I walked outta Cycle Gear thinking some old woman stitched that sucker together piece by piece knowing her grandson was going to wear it. I know i'm going over the top with this but I've seen so much things done second rate that I'm amazed when i come across anything that's made like these suits |
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September 30th, 2012, 10:14 AM | #19 |
ninjette.org member
Name: J
Location: North Jersey
Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2008 WR250X, 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: 177
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I have a fieldsheer one-piece that I use through the winter. I think I only paid like $130 for it shipped new from a vendor on ebay. It has CE approved padding and works well for me. I can't justify spending $1K plus on a stich.
My track suit was made by Spartan Leathers and it's great. I got it on sale and it was only $440. I would highly recommend Spartan and Dave. Great suit, great price, great guy. I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post links, so just google Spartan Leather if you are interested. |
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September 30th, 2012, 10:17 AM | #20 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Sean
Location: Seattle
Join Date: Aug 2010 Motorcycle(s): 250 Ninjette Posts: 94
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Another option for a top quality suit that is reasonably priced is Furygan. The importer is here in Seattle, and I ended up with a nice suit for around $750. It has held up to 5 crashes and is still my cold weather/backup suit.
I just replaced it with a perforated Pilot suit which was made to fit, custom colors, and $1370 out the door. Also, while looking at top quality leathers, you might want to check out some Sidi boots as well... -Sean |
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September 30th, 2012, 10:31 AM | #21 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Alan
Location: Woodland, California (Sacramento area)
Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2019 Ninja 400, 2009 KLX250-SF, 2014 Zero S Posts: 269
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Craigslist. I just checked my local CL (sacramento) and there are six suits listed right now, all under $250. Most are barely used and look new. It's not like you're buying underwear. I bought mine for $150 and it fits great. Suits are things often bought, rarely used.
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September 30th, 2012, 05:29 PM | #22 | |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Peanut
Location: Senoia, GA
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): Green 2013 ZX-6R Posts: 723
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Quote:
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http://www.simplysurrealphotography....es/peanut2.png |
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September 30th, 2012, 05:29 PM | #23 | |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Peanut
Location: Senoia, GA
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): Green 2013 ZX-6R Posts: 723
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Quote:
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http://www.simplysurrealphotography....es/peanut2.png |
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September 30th, 2012, 07:15 PM | #24 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Hansveer
Location: Bombay, India
Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250r - Track whore, Ninja 300 - SOLD, KTM RC390 - Orange Hulk, Ducati 899 Panigale - Red Devil. Posts: A lot.
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It's called a base layer, get one
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October 1st, 2012, 06:41 AM | #25 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Nick
Location: Ontario
Join Date: Feb 2012 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250r (SOLD) - Black. 2011 ZX-6R Green/Black - 2001 Garbage Bag Green KLR650 Posts: 275
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I would definitely check out the used route. I picked up a Dainese 2 piece from eBay for $300.
It looked, and more importantly smelled, brand new when I got it. |
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October 2nd, 2012, 02:45 PM | #26 |
ModMy250.com
Name: Tri
Location: St, Louis
Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R, 2005 R6 Posts: A lot.
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Teknic Xcelerator Suit - On Sale for just $679! From Ridersdiscount. Great company and awesome prices.
http://www.r6-forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=166492
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The www.ModMy250.com guy |
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October 10th, 2012, 09:09 AM | #27 |
Guest
Posts: n/a
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Has anyone heard of Perrini Suits? Found a bunch online for really cheap:
I plan on tracking this next season as frequently as I can afford! http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tornado-All-...af37eb&vxp=mtr http://www.topgearleather.com/produc...ther-Suit.html http://www.ebay.com/itm/1pc-Perrini-...4399f8&vxp=mtr |
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October 10th, 2012, 09:18 AM | #28 | ||
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Hansveer
Location: Bombay, India
Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250r - Track whore, Ninja 300 - SOLD, KTM RC390 - Orange Hulk, Ducati 899 Panigale - Red Devil. Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
1) everyone else nagged him for being cheap 2) he got dicey replies from their customer service about product returns. p.s. they ship from Pakistan, so the item location is misleading. p.p.s. If you do buy it, I demand a review Quote:
Last futzed with by psych0hans; October 10th, 2012 at 09:27 AM. Reason: Added info |
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October 10th, 2012, 09:32 AM | #29 |
Guest
Posts: n/a
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HAHAH some guy said:
It MIGHT explode and you end up with a **** ton of road rash and broken **** Id steer clear. You wont ^^ that is what the internet is about... Person: " I want to get 1000cc for my first bike should I?" Everyone: "No" Person: "I'm gonna get it anyways" I'm finding some decent deals on used AGV suits and Dianese here and there. Shits expensive. |
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October 10th, 2012, 09:53 AM | #30 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jason
Location: Norfolk, VA
Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 EX250, 2014 EX300 Posts: A lot.
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get a custom syed suit for $1200, it'll fit a lot better.
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October 10th, 2012, 09:59 AM | #31 | |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Hansveer
Location: Bombay, India
Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250r - Track whore, Ninja 300 - SOLD, KTM RC390 - Orange Hulk, Ducati 899 Panigale - Red Devil. Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
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October 10th, 2012, 10:01 AM | #32 |
Guest
Posts: n/a
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October 10th, 2012, 10:06 AM | #33 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Jason
Location: Norfolk, VA
Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 EX250, 2014 EX300 Posts: A lot.
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Wasn't directly relating to you but if you spend $1400 might as well be custom.
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Ethioknight Memorial Fund- Sticker sale http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=111700 |
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October 10th, 2012, 10:07 AM | #34 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Hansveer
Location: Bombay, India
Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250r - Track whore, Ninja 300 - SOLD, KTM RC390 - Orange Hulk, Ducati 899 Panigale - Red Devil. Posts: A lot.
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I think like most of us mortal folks, Cody's on a pretty tight budget...
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October 10th, 2012, 10:08 AM | #35 |
Guest
Posts: n/a
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Very tight
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October 10th, 2012, 10:18 AM | #36 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Joseph
Location: Winter Park, FL
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 250R Black, 2005 ZX-6R Blue Posts: 623
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October 16th, 2012, 04:32 PM | #37 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Hien
Location: Vancouver,BC
Join Date: Feb 2012 Motorcycle(s): triumph Posts: 116
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I got my Arlen Ness Suit From amazon this year, great deal at $650 free prime shipping ($1300 normally)
Easy return policy if it didn't fit, so had to get it. Noticed they had a few sizes left in blue, 50,52,54 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...tphienertum-20 |
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October 16th, 2012, 05:38 PM | #38 |
wat
Name: wat
Location: tustin/long beach
Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 5
MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14
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i still love my kobe suit... great protection, cheap price. made in america too.
kobeusa.com
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October 16th, 2012, 09:42 PM | #39 |
ninjette.org dude
Name: 1 guess :-)
Location: SF Bay Area
Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 7
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Nope, they are made in Pakistan. KobeUSA is the arm of the company in the US to import and sell them.
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October 17th, 2012, 09:56 AM | #40 |
wat
Name: wat
Location: tustin/long beach
Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much.
Blog Entries: 5
MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14
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my suit has a tag with a usa symbol... i assumed that meant it was made here but i can see how i could easily be wrong.. maybe its the usa version of the suit
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